You’re walking down Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville, past the smell of gourmet tacos and the buzz of buskers, and you see that sleek marquee. Most locals still call it the Diana Wortham Theatre, even though the sign officially says Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. Honestly, it’s kinda like how people still call the Sears Tower by its old name—some things just stick.
But there’s a big difference between a "theatre" and a "center."
Back in the early 90s, this place was basically a gamble. Asheville wasn't the "Best Small City in the US" yet. It was a town trying to find its footing after decades of quiet. The theatre opened in 1992 as part of the Pack Place project, intended to be the heartbeat of a revitalized downtown. It worked. Actually, it worked so well that by 2019, they had to blow the walls out (figuratively) to make room for more art.
The Transformation Nobody Saw Coming
For nearly thirty years, the Diana Wortham Theatre was a single-stage powerhouse. If you wanted to see the Soweto Gospel Choir or a touring contemporary dance troupe, you went to the 500-seat mainstage. But the demand from local groups was becoming impossible to manage. Asheville has more talent than it has floor space.
So, they did something bold.
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They raised over $3 million and turned the single theatre into a three-venue complex. Now, when you walk through those doors at 18 Biltmore Avenue, you’re in a 28,000-square-foot ecosystem.
The main stage is still the Diana Wortham Theatre. It’s intimate. There isn’t a bad seat in the house, which is something people say a lot, but here it’s actually true. The furthest seat is barely 60 feet from the stage. Fun fact: the chairs actually came from Radio City Music Hall in New York. You're literally sitting on a piece of entertainment history while watching a local production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The New Kids on the Block: Tina and Henry
Since the 2019 expansion, two other spaces have stolen some of the spotlight:
- The Tina McGuire Theatre: This is a "black box" space. It holds about 80 to 100 people and is incredibly flexible. Think of it as the place for experimental stuff, intimate comedy sets (like the popular Comedy Zone series), and up-close acoustic sessions.
- The Henry LaBrun Studio: This is even smaller, seating around 65 to 85. It’s perfect for workshops, masterclasses, or that super-niche chamber music performance that would feel lost in a big room.
Why Diana Wortham Matters to Asheville’s Identity
Who is Diana Wortham, anyway? She isn’t some distant historical figure from the 1800s. She’s a major benefactor, the daughter of Gus and Lyndall Wortham, who believed that a city without a dedicated space for the performing arts is just a collection of buildings. She doesn't usually do the "red carpet" thing, but her impact is everywhere.
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The theatre isn't just for people who can afford a $75 ticket to a national tour.
They have this program called Arts for All Kids. It’s serious about its mission. They bring in over 10,000 students every year from 16 different counties across Western North Carolina. For a lot of these kids coming from rural areas, a school trip to the Wortham Center is the first time they ever see a professional dancer or a live play.
What’s On the Calendar for 2026?
If you’re looking for tickets right now, the 2025/2026 season is hitting its stride. It’s a wild mix. You’ve got the Slocan Ramblers bringing bluegrass energy in mid-January, followed by the high-stakes drama of The Acting Company performing Great Expectations.
One of the big highlights for February 2026 is Ailey II. If you haven't seen them, they are the "next generation" of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It’s athletic, soul-stirring, and usually sells out fast. Later in the spring, look out for Stewart/Owen Dance, the company-in-residence. They’re doing a piece called The Front in May that originally premiered at the American Dance Festival.
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Practical Stuff You Should Know
Don't just show up and hope for the best.
Parking is the big one. It’s downtown Asheville. The Biltmore Avenue Garage (under the Aloft Hotel) is your best bet, but it fills up. Give yourself at least 30 minutes more than you think you need. You'll want that time to grab a drink at the theatre's café anyway.
The "Hidden" Entrance: You enter through the breezeway between White Duck Taco and Marble Slab Creamery. It feels like you’re walking into a secret courtyard, which is half the fun.
The Tech: If you're hard of hearing, don't skip the show. They recently upgraded to state-of-the-art hearing assistance technology and even have a loop system in the smaller venues.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Check the "Matinee Series": If you have kids, these shows are often curriculum-related and way more affordable than evening Mainstage performances.
- Join the "Friends of Wortham": If you plan on seeing more than three shows, the membership pays for itself through ticket discounts (usually 10-25% off) and early access.
- Dine Locally: You are within a two-block radius of some of the best food in the South. Posana and Cúrate are legendary, but you need reservations weeks in advance. For something quicker, hit the tacos right outside the theatre entrance.
- Volunteer: If you want to see the shows for free, the center is almost always looking for ushers. It’s a great way to support the local arts scene without breaking the bank.
The Diana Wortham Theatre isn't just a building in Pack Square. It’s the place where Asheville’s weird, wonderful, and sophisticated sides meet. Whether you're there for a world-class ballet or a local comedy night, you're part of a 30-year tradition of keeping the lights on in the heart of the city.